Energy Efficiency and Low-Carbon Transitions in Smart Cities: A Comprehensive Review of Technologies and Metrics
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The transition from cities to sustainable smart cities requires the deployment of energy and carbon-intensive smart services. To minimize the problem, energy and carbon emission-efficient approaches are required. Considering this, in this paper, we review various technologies and smart services that enable smart cities. Subsequently, smart services and their energy saving approaches, energy consumptionprediction, energy load balancing through distribution and trading, and stable energy supply policies are critically analyzed. Disruptive innovations to support the development of low-carbon, resilient, and energy-efficient smart city ecosystems are explored. Furthermore, we identify strengths, limitations, and research gaps in existing energy management strategies and map energy efficiency metrics to various smart city services. Finally, future research directions are proposed for smart cities.
Author: Ray Chowdhury, Chandrani
Institution: National Institute of Science and Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Urban Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7202371152